Odisha Assembly budget session: MLA salary hike likely to be reconsidered amid political u-turn, public backlash

The proposed hike in the salary and allowances of MLAs in Odisha is likely to be reconsidered during the ongoing Budget Session. If the amendment Bill is reviewed and passed again, discussions are underway regarding the extent of the revised salary.

During the last Winter Session, the Odisha MLAs’ Salary, Allowances and Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed unanimously. However, the nearly threefold increase in legislators’ salaries triggered public dissatisfaction across the state.

Following the backlash, the BJP Legislature Party had requested the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision. The matter is now expected to be taken up again in the current session.

BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra stated that the decision to review the salary hike was taken after the BJD made a U-turn on the issue.

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"The BJD party took a U-turn and submitted a written letter stating that its members would not accept the salary. As a result, the government found itself in an awkward position, especially since the proposal had already been unanimously approved in the State Assembly," said Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra.

On the other hand, Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik has expressed support for the salary increase of former MLAs.

"The salary of former MLAs should be increased, as many of them are facing difficulties. The government should take appropriate steps and respond positively to the written request submitted by Naveen Patnaik," said Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik.